From the metamorphosing fairytale Frog Prince and The Tale of Jeremy Fisher, to dissections in science class, to television’s Kermit, frogs are ever-present in our childhoods. Just what is it about this slimy creature that captures our imagination? While much attention has been paid to the scientific qualities of the frog, little has been said about the large role played by this slippery amphibian in art, literature and popular culture.

Charlotte Sleigh’s witty, readable Frog provides an entertaining and sometimes shocking account of this much–loved, and much–misunderstood animal. Sleigh provides answers to many questions, including why frogs have been so prominent in fairy tales, and also scientific experiments throughout the years, and just what place the frog holds in religion. The many faces of the frog are also explored, such as the devilish and comic; the sophisticated and chauvinist; the revolting and delicious. The author weaves the natural history of the frog together with their mythology in a way that has not been done before.

Featuring many fine images of frogs from nature and culture, Frog will appeal to a wide audience – from those who keep these remarkable amphibians in their homes, to those who recall stories from their childhood with affection, to those who regard them as a tasty dinner.

‘an engaging volume by the historian of science Charlotte Sleigh . . . Readers interested in the animals rather than in human abuse of them will enjoy the high-quality photographs’ – TLS

‘Charlotte Sleigh does a great job of condensing the extensive cultural and scientific literature on frogs into a stream of absorbing facts and stories through which the reader can easily hop. Frog is further brought to life through its collection of thought-provoking and high-quality illustrations . . . For those readers interested in a rich yet concise account of the biology of frogs and their place in culture, this book is an excellent choice.’ – Natterchat Magazine

‘an engaging volume by the historian of science Charlotte Sleigh . . . Readers interested in the animals rather than in human abuse of them will enjoy the high-quality photographs’ – TLS

‘Charlotte Sleigh does a great job of condensing the extensive cultural and scientific literature on frogs into a stream of absorbing facts and stories through which the reader can easily hop. Frog is further brought to life through its collection of thought-provoking and high-quality illustrations . . . For those readers interested in a rich yet concise account of the biology of frogs and their place in culture, this book is an excellent choice.’ – Natterchat Magazine